In the 2022-2023 school year, gun-related incidents made up nearly 50% of violent events in schools, with 55 shootings reported on school campuses during or after school hours—an increase of 139% compared to 2018-2019​. 

School safety is a critical concern for educators, parents, and communities. While schools have implemented many protocols to protect students, hidden gaps in existing safety measures still leave them vulnerable to various threats. Active Defender offers a comprehensive solution that bridges these gaps, providing schools with the tools to ensure a safer environment for everyone.

The Current State of School Safety

Schools have made great strides in implementing safety protocols such as lockdown drills, emergency evacuation plans, and secure entry systems. However, as threats to school safety continue to evolve, many of these measures still need to address modern challenges. 

The rise in cyber threats, physical violence, and mental health crises has outpaced many schools’ ability to respond effectively. The traditional protocols in place often cannot communicate, adapt, and provide real-time responses to these evolving threats.

The Hidden Gaps in School Safety Protocols

1. Communication Delays

During an emergency, every second counts, yet communication breakdowns often occur, whether due to technological issues, human error, or situational confusion. Traditional safety protocols depend on manual alerts, walkie-talkies, group messages, etc., which can delay critical information reaching the right people. This delay increases response time and leaves staff and students vulnerable to escalating threats.

Active Defender’s Instant Communication and Real-Time Alerts

Active Defender provides an enhanced communication platform that allows staff, security personnel, and first responders to stay connected in real-time. With instant alerts to smartphones, desktops, or classroom equipment and seamless communication across the entire school, information is relayed quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s a lockdown situation, a medical emergency, or a suspicious person on campus, Active Defender ensures that the right people are informed within seconds of the threat emerging.

2. Limited Situational Awareness

In many emergencies, staff and first responders struggle to understand the severity of the emergency because of fragmented information. They may not know the threat’s exact location or how the situation is evolving in real-time. This lack of situational awareness creates confusion and can lead to inefficient or misguided responses, potentially putting more people in danger.

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity

Active Defender offers real-time data sharing, location tracking, and ongoing threat updates. Staff can view a custom dynamic map of their campus, including where the threat is located and progressing. This real-time situational awareness enables quicker, more informed decision-making, allowing for faster neutralization of threats and reducing confusion.

3. Inadequate Technology Integration

Many schools rely on a patchwork of safety technologies that do not communicate with one another. For example, surveillance cameras, alarms, and communication systems may all operate independently, requiring staff to switch between systems manually during a crisis. This fragmentation can slow down response times and leave critical gaps in safety.

Active Defender’s Integrated Technology Solutions

Active Defender integrates with existing systems such as door locks, cameras, and panic buttons, providing comprehensive security coverage. It enhances situational awareness for first responders, alerts local authorities with detailed information, and reduces response times.

4. Overlooking Mental Health Crises

While much attention is given to physical threats, many safety protocols do not adequately address the growing issue of mental health crises in schools. Early signs of emotional distress or behavioral issues are often missed, leading to situations that could escalate into threats to school safety.

Active Defender’s Student Behavioral Analysis Reporting Feature

The Student Behavior Analysis Reporting feature allows school administrators, staff, and teachers to identify and streamline the process of analyzing student behavior, reporting detailed concerns to appropriate school staff, and documenting outcomes.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

In today’s educational environment, ensuring the safety and security of school campuses has never been more critical. School administrators and resource officers are pivotal in maintaining a secure learning environment. However, with the myriad of responsibilities they juggle daily, it’s easy to overlook common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs). Awareness of these vulnerabilities is crucial to preventing potential security breaches and ensuring a safe space for students and stakeholders.

Understanding Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures

Common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) are publicly disclosed security flaws that malicious entities can exploit. These vulnerabilities can be physical, such as unsecured entry points, or related to emergency preparedness, such as outdated response plans. Overlooking these vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and physical harm.

Impact of Overlooked CVEs

The impact of overlooking CVEs can be devastating. For instance, an unsecured entry point might allow an intruder to enter the campus undetected. Similarly, inadequate emergency preparedness can lead to chaos during critical situations. Real-world examples abound where overlooked CVEs have resulted in significant security incidents, highlighting the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities proactively.

The Importance of Awareness in Campus Safety

Awareness is the cornerstone of campus safety. School administrators and resource officers can mitigate risks by staying informed about potential vulnerabilities and exposures. This is where Active Defender steps in. Active Defender’s mission is to enhance campus safety by providing real-time situational awareness, ensuring everyone knows the nature and location of any alert and can respond appropriately.

Comprehensive Checklist for Assessing Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures

To help school administrators and school resource officers ensure no CVEs are overlooked, we’ve developed a comprehensive checklist covering physical security and emergency preparedness. This checklist is designed as a walk-through guide for assessing your campus and prioritizing actions to enhance awareness and reduce risk.

Implementing the Checklist

Implementing this checklist is straightforward but requires a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

• Initial Assessment:
  • Conduct an initial assessment using the checklist to identify current vulnerabilities and exposures.
  • Involve key stakeholders in the assessment process, including teachers, staff, and students.
• Action Plan:
  • Develop an action plan to address identified vulnerabilities.
  • Prioritize actions based on the severity and potential impact of each vulnerability.
  • Assign responsibilities and set deadlines for each action item.
• Implementation:
  • Execute the action plan systematically, ensuring all vulnerabilities are addressed.
  • Provide necessary training and resources to staff and students.
• Regular Reviews:
  • Schedule regular reviews and updates to the checklist.
  • Reassess vulnerabilities periodically to account for changes in the environment or new threats.
  • Ensure continuous improvement in campus security and emergency preparedness.

Ensuring that common vulnerabilities and exposures are not overlooked is a critical responsibility for school administrators and school resource officers. Following this comprehensive checklist can enhance your campus’s safety and security. Awareness is the key to preventing and mitigating security risks, and with tools like Active Defender, you can stay informed and prepared.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

The multitude of options when selecting a school safety platform can be overwhelming. Whether exploring ways to integrate with your existing infrastructure or searching for entirely new solutions, it’s crucial to understand what factors to consider when choosing.

Comprehensive Safety Features

The first aspect to consider when choosing a school safety platform is whether it offers comprehensive safety features. Here are some key examples:

• Emergency Communication: Ensure the platform provides multiple communication channels (SMS, email, push notifications) for sending emergency alerts.
• Incident Reporting: Look for features that allow anonymous reporting of bullying, threats, or other concerns.
• Crisis Management: Evaluate tools for managing and documenting crisis responses, including checklists, plans, and resource management.
• Real-time Monitoring: Check for real-time monitoring capabilities, such as live custom dynamic mapping, which allows you to see the location where an emergency was reported.

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity enables staff to send and receive critical alerts on any device across the campus, similar to Presidential or Amber Alerts. It provides a custom live map with multi-level floor plans, allowing quick emergency reporting from anywhere. In life-threatening situations, staff can instantly update their status from “Green” (I Am Okay) to “Red” (Need Help), aiding first responders and reducing response times.

Customization

The second consideration is whether the school safety platform allows for scalability and customization. Since every school or district has unique needs, choosing a platform that can accommodate these differences and adapt accordingly is essential.

• Customization: The platform should offer customization options to fit the specific needs and protocols of the school or district.
• Scalability: Ensure the platform can grow with the school or district and adapt to evolving safety requirements.

Integration Capabilities

The third consideration when choosing a school safety platform is its integration capabilities. Can the platform integrate with;

• Existing Systems: Ensure the platform can integrate seamlessly with the school’s existing systems (e.g., security systems and communication tools).
• Interoperability: Look for compatibility with local law enforcement, emergency services, and other relevant agencies.

Active Defender’s Integration Capabilities

Active Defender integrates with existing systems such as door locks, cameras, and panic buttons, providing comprehensive security coverage. It enhances situational awareness for first responders, alerts local authorities with detailed information, and reduces response times.

Implementation Support

The fourth and final consideration is the support for implementing and maintaining the school safety platform. 

• Implementation Support: Assess the level of support provided for initial setup and deployment.
• Timeframe: Consider the time required to implement the platform and any potential disruption to school activities.
• Customer Support: Inquire about customer service after implementation. Will you receive a Point of Contact (POC) throughout your contract? What is the response time of the helpline? 

Active Defender’s 24/7 Customer Support

At Active Defender, every customer is assigned a POC who walks them through the implementation process and stays by their side throughout their contract to answer any questions or concerns and notify them of new feature updates.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

Swatting is the intentional and harmful act of falsely reporting a crime or emergency to provoke an aggressive response, often from a SWAT team, by law enforcement. The perpetrator aims to harass and intimidate the target by causing police or emergency personnel to respond forcefully to their home, k-12 schools, or other locations. This act can scare or harm the individuals or groups involved. 

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, in 2024, there have been 120 swatting incidents at K-12 schools as of May 22nd, 2024. An example of a K-12 swatting incident is the day after the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland Shooting); a Florida police officer shot himself in the leg inside a school while responding to a false shooting report.

With the potential threat of a swatting hoax looming over K-12 schools, teachers and administrators need to be equipped with the necessary tools to handle the situation cautiously and rationally. We have compiled four tips for teachers and school administrators to understand and handle such situations effectively. 

Establish Clear Protocols

Developing comprehensive protocols and procedures for responding to threats and swatting hoaxes is essential for maintaining school safety and preparedness. Creating detailed, well-structured guidelines covering every threat assessment and response aspect is critical. These protocols should outline specific steps in various scenarios, ensuring that every potential threat is managed efficiently and effectively.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that all staff members are thoroughly trained in these protocols. This training should cover the procedures and reasoning behind them so that staff can act confidently and competently during an emergency. Regular drills and refresher courses help maintain a high level of preparedness among the entire school staff.

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity

With Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity, staff can receive alerts on any device, anywhere on campus, with notifications beyond text or chat messages. Crisis Clarity activates phones with critical entitlements similar to Presidential or Amber Alerts. 

Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity also offers a custom, live map of the campus with multi-level floor plans, enabling staff to report emergencies or events and their exact locations quickly. This feature ensures instant situational awareness for informed decision-making. 

Each staff member is represented as a “dot” on the map, which can be toggled from “Green” (I Am Okay) to “Red” (Need Help) in the event of a life-threatening injury, providing first responders with immediate prioritization. Book an interactive demo today to experience Active Defender’s Crisis Clarity first-hand!

Foster Open Communication

Encourage students and staff to report suspicious activity or threats while emphasizing the importance of responsible reporting. Establish multiple channels for reporting concerns, such as anonymous tip lines or trusted staff members.

Active Defender’s Two-Way Communication

Active Defender’s chat platform facilitates direct, two-way communication among administrators, staff, and emergency responders. It includes AI chat features, allowing users to instantly report crucial details with a single tap. Learn more about Active Defender’s capabilities and how we can enhance your school’s security. 

Prioritize Threat Assessment

Implement a threat assessment team comprising school administrators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement personnel to evaluate threats’ credibility. Utilize established criteria and protocols to assess each threat’s level of risk.

An example of prioritizing a threat is conducting a thorough analysis of the context and language used to determine whether it is credible. Consider factors such as specificity, access to weapons, and the presence of a motive or intent.

Focus on Prevention and Education

Invest in proactive measures to prevent swatting hoaxes, such as comprehensive mental health support services, conflict resolution programs, and anti-bullying initiatives. Schools can implement regular training sessions for students and staff on recognizing and reporting potential threats, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility within the school community.

By implementing these tips, teachers and school administrators can better understand and effectively address swatting hoaxes and threats of school violence, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting Feature

With Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting feature, school administrators, staff, and teachers can identify and streamline the process of analyzing student behavior, reporting detailed concerns to appropriate school staff, and documenting outcomes.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

 Updated as of May 15th, 2024

According to research conducted by the Gun Violence Archive, from 2014 to April 18, 2024, there have been 536 school shooting incidents in the United States. That is a staggering number to digest if you also take into account that the number of school shooting incidents from 2008 to 2023 increased by 128%.

With gun-related school incidents seemingly on the rise, it is no surprise that teachers, students, and staff are concerned about something happening at their school. In this blog, we will explore the statistics revolving around gun-related incidents and lockdowns and what strategies are popular with teachers on how to prevent such occurrences. 

School Shooting Statistics

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 59% of K-12 teachers are at least somewhat worried about the possibility of a shooting happening at their school. The level of concern surrounding a possible school shooting is understandable, with 2023 having a record-high number of school shootings at 82.

In contrast to the majority who express varying degrees of concern, Figure 1 reveals that a notable 7% of teachers are not worried at all about the prospect of a shooting occurring at their school. This disparity in perception may lead to insights into the varying levels of school safety prevention measures.

Gun-Related Lockdowns

Since the infamous shooting at Columbine High School on April 20th, 1999, Lockdowns have been paramount in schools across the United States to protect students and staff from active assailants.

In Figure 2, we can see that during the 2022-23 school year, 23% of K-12 teachers had experienced a lockdown because of a gun or suspicion of a gun at their school, with 8% indicating that it happened more than once that year. 

Between the different grade levels of schooling, high school teachers are the most likely to experience a gun-related lockdown, with 34% having at least one in the 2022-23 school year. This compares with 22% of middle and 16% of elementary school teachers.

According to the data in Figure 2, teachers in urban areas are more likely to experience a gun-related lockdown compared to the least possible area being schools in the suburbs at 19%.

Active Defender’s Drill Mode

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform has a “Drill Mode” feature that allows schools to practice fire, lockdown, and severe weather drills without notifying first responders. Book an interactive demo today to see how our “Drill Mode” looks and feels!

School Violence Prevention

Of the over 2,500 teachers surveyed during the Pew Research survey, 39% stated their school has done a fair or poor job providing them with the training and resources they need to deal with a potential active shooter (Pew Research Center). With that number in mind, let’s look at the top 3 teacher-proposed strategies to prevent school violence.

According to Figure 3, the third most popular strategy to prevent school shootings is for schools to install metal detectors, with 33% of teachers indicating it would be highly effective. The second most popular strategy, which 49% of teachers think will be highly effective, is having an armed guard or School Resource Officer on campus. 

The number one strategy to prevent school shootings that 69% of teachers found to be the most effective is to improve mental health screening and treatment for children and adults. 

Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting Feature

With Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting feature, school administrators, staff, and teachers can identify and streamline the process of analyzing student behavior, reporting detailed concerns to appropriate school staff, and documenting outcomes.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

The Active Defender team took great care and consideration while judging the 2024 essay contest submissions, and we have determined our three winners! A big thank you to all the students who took the time to write and send in their perspectives, ideas, and insights about shaping a safer and more secure educational environment. 

Essays were judged on the following criteria;

• The student highlighted the critical importance of school safety, demonstrating a deep understanding of its significance and implications.
• The student presented ideas with clear and coherent language and logical structure.
• The student presented practical ideas that were feasible to implement in real-world scenarios.
• The student demonstrated creativity and originality when proposing innovative solutions/approaches.

3rd-5th Category Winner: Andrew Gomez 

Andrew Gomez, a 4th grader, is the winner of the 3rd-5th grade category. We were impressed with Andrew’s creative and practical ideas to make schools safer. Andrew suggested that to make schools safer, the following needed to be implemented;

• Ensure all doors are locked; the principal, teachers, and staff are the only ones with keys.
• Encourage everyone to wear name tags so strangers can be easily identified. 
• Hire a full-time security officer.
• Build a fence that surrounds the entire school.

Thank you, Andrew, for the awesome essay!

6th-8th Category Winner: Jake Patino

Jake Patino, a 7th grader, is the winner of the 6th-8th grade category. What a fantastic essay! Jake showcased an incredible understanding of the importance of making schools safer and had great suggestions like;

• Providing teachers and school staff with walkie-talkies, self-defense training, and a personal defense kit in classrooms.
• Installing cameras, alarm systems, and bullet-proof windows/doors. 
• Adding a quick-drop rope ladder to classrooms above the first floor and much more!

To continue reading Jake’s spectacular essay, click the button below.

9th-12th Category Winner: Aden Ford

Aden Ford, a 9th grader, is the winner of the 9th-12th grade category. Aden’s essay blew us away with his deep understanding of how a “few minutes are in all truth the difference between life and death.” Some practical and original ideas Aden suggested were;

• Increasing police presence on school grounds.
• Security checks with a handheld metal detector.
• Adding a security check-in at the front door and more!

Click the button below to read the rest of Aden’s outstanding essay.

Let’s give a round of applause to our three winners, Andrew, Jake, and Aden! Again, a huge thank you to all the students who participated! We can’t wait to see some more awesome essays next time! 

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!